Buti nalang...

I spent the past few days in Paranaque (aka my mom's house :)) to arrange necessary legal documents needed for the wedding. And I spent a great deal of time reminiscing with my mom about my growing up days. I must say, I really had a fun, happy, colorful childhood - a childhood I wouldn't trade for anything!

One of the things we talked about was the stuff she made/asked me to do that were against my will. But in hindsight, buti nalang she did!

Wash your face! - Yup, my mom would always nag me into washing my face when I get home from school, after playing and before going to sleep. I know, it's hygiene, but as a kid, this is a task! She always said that a clean face will prevent growth of pimples. And thank God her nagging got to me, that I never went through that "pimply teenage stage" (knock on wood). I have her to thank for my (almost) smooth face.

Put Sebo de Macho! - Yet another task for a kid who just wants to go out and play. As a kid, I preferred biking, cops and robbers, patintero over Barbie dolls and luto-lutuan (these would just accumulate dust in my room). Imagine my mom's frustration that her unica hija would come home with scars and bruises on her legs! Of course I didn't understand it then, but now, thank God for her patience in rubbing this wonder cream (ointment?) on all my scars that I can wear mini skirts without anyone criticizing my legs - just admiring them.

Do not scratch! - In connection to the previous item, the healing of scars was also a source mother-daughter discussion. We all know how itchy a healing scar can get. And I'm glad that my mom didn't get tired telling me to stop scratching lest I wanted marks on my skin! Well, except for the chicken pox mark I have on my face. I couldn't help but scratch the scar. Ayan peklat.

Ballet - Those who know me would know that this is not my thing. Gosh, I can't even look at my photos where I'm clad in tights and leotards! Still, I am thankful for the lessons because it contributed to my dancing skills - it put a lot of grace in my moves.

Braces - My parents practically forced me to put braces on. You see, my teeth we literally shaped like a zig-zag road! I had fangs, for goodness sake. I was not bothered at all! But my parents insisted and I had no choice. I know that braces can do wonders for one's smile. But not during the time I got mine, you wouldn't think of it that way! It was 1985. I was a kid and living in the province. Braces weren't common yet, colored elastics and transparent brackets were unheard of. I looked like a freak! Well, at least now, I whenever I flash my smile (Okay, okay. Whenever I FEEL like flashing a smile), nobody is horrified.

Hindi ka magpapakulot! - This is probably the most important item I am grateful for. There was a time when curly (okay, wavy) hair was in - 'twas during the height of the popularity of the Wea Twins - and I wanted my hair like theirs. My mom freaked when I told her. She firmly said no and told me that I can do whatever I want to do with my hair when I am old enough. Buti nalang talaga, because I hate curly hair (Sorry, honey. You know it's nothing personal) and I actually pray that my kids would have straight hair. Imagine me, kulot? Oh dear...what was I thinking!!!!

It was fun and heartwarming talking to my mom about these things (don' t even get me started on what she said about boys!). Yet another testament that, indeed, mother knows best. Well, most of the time...:)